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Harpswell loves tradition, and in that spirit, Harpswell Aging at Home and the Harpswell 250th Committee are bringing back an old-fashioned baked bean and fruit pie bake-off as part of this month’s Lunch with Friends.
On Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 10:30 a.m. at George J. Mitchell Field, baked beans and pies made by local cooks will be judged by area food aficionados, then prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories. At the same time, organizers will set up a buffet of baked beans and pies, as well as traditional favorites such as ham, barbecued chicken, hot dogs, potato salad, coleslaw and more. This free meal will be open to the entire community.
Beans were one of the first foods grown by English settlers in Harpswell and sold at trading posts set up on the Neck. They were a staple that got Harpswell people through hard times at the end of long winters.
Harpswell’s enthusiasm for pie has been documented since the 18th century. It was first made with native blueberries and wild strawberries, and later with apples and other cultivated fruit. Pie made with local fruit continues to be one of the most popular Maine desserts.
Cooks are invited to sign up by Sept. 15 for the baked bean bake-off or the fruit pie bake-off by filling out an online form that can be found at harpswell.maine.gov/250th. Judging is limited to 15 bean entries and 15 pie entries, so sign up early!
Participants are asked to bring their ready-to-eat pot of beans or freshly baked pie to Mitchell Field at 10:30 a.m. for judging, which will be anonymous. Please see the website for details.
At noon, the winners will be announced and the buffet will begin by the bandstand. Attendees should bring their own chairs for seating. The rain date is Thursday, Sept. 24.
Thank you to the Harpswell 250th Committee and members of both Harpswell Aging at Home’s Food Team and its Cooking at 43° North program for putting together this special event to commemorate the country’s 250th birthday.
